SUD 101 Core Curriculum Overview
Curriculum overview: Healthcare professionals play a critical role in addressing substance use disorders; however, many have insufficient training to manage these complex conditions effectively. To fill this gap, the SUD 101 Core Curriculum has been designed to empower healthcare providers by equipping them with essential knowledge, current research insights, and a wealth of resources necessary to enhance their proficiency and self-assurance in patient care throughout the healthcare spectrum. The activity titled, Integrating Opioid Use Disorder Treatment in Clinical Care, represents one segment of the expansive 23-module curriculum. Below is an informative summary of module 6 out of 23:
Module 6 Overview
Title: Integrating Opioid Use Disorder Treatment in Clinical Care
Presenter(s): Laura Fanucchi, MD, MPH, FASAM,
Associate Professor of Medicine; Director, Addiction Consult Service, University of Kentucky
Module Description: This module emphasizes the necessity of incorporating pharmacotherapy strategies for opioid use disorder (OUD) within general medical environments. It illustrates progressive models across various healthcare settings, such as primary care practices, emergency departments, and hospitals where OUD medications are seamlessly integrated into standard medical protocols. Moreover, the module reviews essential strategies for effective OUD pharmacotherapy deployment in everyday clinical settings. Participants are encouraged to tailor these insights for the enhancement of their own medical practices.
Educational Objectives:
- Recognize that screening, diagnosis, and treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) should be integrated in general medical settings
- Discuss models for integrating OUD pharmacotherapy into primary care settings, emergency rooms, and hospitals
- Review keys to successful OUD pharmacotherapy implementation in clinical practice
| Availability: | On-Demand |
| Expires on | Jan 12, 2026 |
| Credit Offered: |
|
1 CME Credit |
|
1 PA-CME Credit |
|
1 Other Professionals Credit |
|
1 Nursing Credit |
|
1 Pharmacy Credit |
|
1 IPCE Credit |
What are the key benefits of integrating Opioid Use Disorder treatment into clinical practice?
**Interview with Dr. Laura Fanucchi: Integrating Opioid Use Disorder Treatment in Clinical Care**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Fanucchi. As the presenter of one of the key modules in the SUD 101 Core Curriculum, can you explain the importance of integrating Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) treatment into clinical care?
**Dr. Fanucchi:** Absolutely, and thank you for having me. The integration of OUD treatment in clinical settings is crucial because opioid use disorder is a major public health crisis. Healthcare professionals often encounter patients with OUD in various contexts—whether that’s in primary care, emergency departments, or psychiatric services. However, many are not adequately equipped to handle these cases due to limited training. Our module aims to change that by providing healthcare professionals with the essential knowledge and strategies needed to effectively address and manage OUD.
**Editor:** What specific strategies do you cover in your module to assist healthcare providers in this integration?
**Dr. Fanucchi:** Our module covers various pharmacotherapy strategies that can be utilized in different healthcare settings. For example, we emphasize the importance of medications like buprenorphine and methadone, which have proven effective in treating OUD. We also showcase progressive models of care that facilitate collaboration among providers, allowing for a more holistic approach to treatment. This includes discussing ways to implement screening and referral processes that can guide patients toward the appropriate level of care.
**Editor:** How do you see the role of healthcare professionals evolving as they become more proficient in managing OUD?
**Dr. Fanucchi:** As healthcare professionals gain better training and confidence in managing OUD, we can expect a significant shift in how we approach substance use disorders overall. They will not only be able to provide effective treatment but also advocate for their patients by destigmatizing opioid use disorder and promoting the idea that it is a chronic condition, much like diabetes or hypertension. This capability will ultimately lead to better health outcomes, improved patient-provider relationships, and a reduction in the societal burden of addiction.
**Editor:** For healthcare providers looking to enhance their skills regarding substance use disorders, what resources does the SUD 101 Core Curriculum offer?
**Dr. Fanucchi:** The curriculum is extensive, consisting of 23 modules that cover a broad range of topics related to substance use disorders. Each module includes current research insights, case studies, and practical resources, which healthcare providers can integrate directly into their practice. Additionally, participants can access a network of professionals for support and collaboration, creating an ongoing learning community focused on best practices in addiction treatment.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Fanucchi, for shedding light on this critical topic. It’s clear that integrating OUD treatment is essential for the future of healthcare.
**Dr. Fanucchi:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important initiative. Together, we can make a significant impact in the fight against substance use disorders.
